DIY pest control offers the advantage of treating an infestation in your home quickly and cost-effectively. But the DIY route comes with its own set of risks, especially when you’re dealing with something as serious as a termite infestation.
That’s not to say that DIY pest control isn’t a good option for many people — but you should always exercise caution, and it’s essential to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to do it yourself. Here are some things to think about when deciding between a DIY pest control approach and hiring a professional exterminator.
What type of pest problem are you handling?
When you’re faced with small infestations, it’s natural to think about taking care of the situation yourself. You may be on a budget or want to try your hand at pest control before making an appointment with a professional. In some cases, DIY is the way to go — but remember that there are certain situations where you’ll be better off hiring a licensed exterminator.
Some pests are easy to spot and identify, while others can be difficult to detect. Ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and mice may be easy to find, but termites, bed bugs, and silverfish bugs might require a keen eye to see.
If you’re unsure about what kind of pest problem you have or the severity of the infestation, it’s time to call in a professional exterminator. Pest control companies provide free inspections and can help determine the extent of an infestation.
It’s one thing to see one or two ants crawling around your kitchen countertop; it’s quite another when they’re swarming over your kitchen island in droves. The same goes for any pest — spiders, mice, rats, roaches, and more. If you have more than several pests crawling around your home, the issue is more than likely beyond what can be handled by DIY methods alone.
The Pros of DIY Pest Control
Saves money
DIY pest control can save you money at a time when every penny counts. Call an exterminator, and you’ll spend hundreds of dollars on labor and equipment costs — not to mention the fee they’ll charge to come back again, just in case they missed anything. When you do it yourself, all you need is a few products and a little time — and you won’t have to pay anyone else to do it for you!
You can avoid using chemicals around your family. If you have young children or pets, you may bypass harsh chemicals. You can use several natural tricks to keep pests away, including bait stations, white vinegar, and peppermint oil. Additionally, many homemade remedies are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of hiring a professional pest control service.
It’s Convenient
Some professional pest control companies can provide convenient service and ensure that your home is free from pests throughout the year. But you still have to arrange for service, pay for it and take time out of your day to be home when the technician arrives, which may not always be at a convenient time. If your schedule changes or you have other plans, you may find yourself paying for a service that you don’t even use.
The Cons of DIY Pest Control
Could be dangerous
When dealing with pests in your home, safety should always be the top concern. While most chemical pesticides will come with instructions on safely using them, there is always a chance that something could go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. For example, if you use too much pesticide or fail to store them in a safe place away from children and pets, there could be severe risks.
It takes extra effort
DIY pest control isn’t as simple as buying a can of bug spray and spraying everywhere unwanted pests are found. There’s more work involved with it than just spraying some chemicals around the house or yard. You have to put in the time, effort, and energy into locating the source of the problem and determining what kind of bugs they are so that you can treat them appropriately.
Lack of knowledge
When it comes to choosing the best insecticide or pesticide for your infestation problem, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some pesticides are only effective against certain insects and rodents (i.e., rats and mice).
It would be best to consider where you apply the pesticides– indoors, outdoors, or both – as well as the appropriate dosage and application methods for each product. After all, incorrect pesticide application can create a more severe health risk for your family members, pets, and plants!
The Pros of Exterminator Pest Control
Exterminators are trained, certified professionals
When you are hiring a pest control professional service, you are hiring someone trained in their job and knows the right way of dealing with all types of pests. They know what they are doing and will do it efficiently to resolve your issue quickly and effectively.
Protect your home even more
Exterminators don’t just kill bugs in your home. They also help to protect your home from future infestations. Most pest control companies only use products that are safe for the environment and will not hurt your home or pets at all. Some products will even help keep pests out of your yard as well.
Exterminators can help identify the problem correctly
There’s no point in wasting time trying to get rid of spiders if you have fleas or carpenter ants. A good exterminator can help you identify what’s bugging you and develop a plan for getting rid of them as quickly as possible. Even if you think you know what kind of pest is plaguing your home, only an expert can tell for sure.
Tools and equipment
Professional exterminators have access to chemicals and other tools that aren’t available in hardware stores. These may work more effectively than other options do.
Health concerns
Some chemical sprays and rodenticides used by homeowners can be harmful if they’re not used properly. Still, exterminators know how to safely handle these pest control products, so they don’t pose a danger to others in the building.
The Cons of Exterminator Pest Control
High initial cost
The initial price tag of hiring an exterminator can sometimes be intimidating, especially if you’re on a budget or don’t have the money readily available to pay. You might be able to negotiate the cost down or get some of the cost covered by your insurance company if pests are causing damage to your home that threatens your safety or the safety of your property.
Regular maintenance
You might be stuck with regular visits from your exterminator. Some pests are so hardy that they require multiple treatments to finally eradicate them from your home and prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
The best pest control method for you and your home will ultimately depend on the exact problem you’re trying to solve. If you want to take control of your home, a DIY method may be the best choice for you. But if you’re looking for extra peace of mind and a professional guarantee, then an exterminator may be worth the additional cost. On a final note, whether you choose to DIY or an exterminator, it’s a brilliant idea to combine both methods to maximize effectiveness and reduce the chance of future infestation.
